Dance First, Think Later – A Green & Pleasant Land? Rural Life in Art

Exhibition
25 July – 27 September 2015

Due to popular demand this exhibition has been extended – final day is Sunday 27 September, 11am – 4pm.

Idyllic scenery, derelict barns, farmers toiling the land?  We explore how artists have been inspired by our rural heritage, from the romantic to the real. Images from our collection include Preston landscapes and work by Anthony Devis, Thomas Wade, Adrian Stokes and Norman Stevens. We also include artists working today like Georgina Barney and Andrew Cross and, in partnership with In Certain Places, we are pleased to show work by Rebecca Chesney, Abigail Townsend and Joanne Lee.

Families can enjoy a trail focusing on the seasons of the farming year. Don’t miss our Fantastic Farming event on Thursday 27 Augsut when real farm animals will be visiting!

Visit our café and stairway to see complementary rural-themed displays:

The Rural Idyll: Ceramics from the Harris collection and others by members of the Northern Potters Association made in response to the exhibition (on display in the museum cafe).

Contemporary Rural Life: Photography from Myerscough College with a focus on contemporary life in the countryside.  The photographs offer an insight into modern farming methods, rural communities and issues that are important today.

Image: Andrew Cross, An English Field (Barn), digital video 2007.

Supported by the Friends of the Harris Museum & Art Gallery.